Table of Contents
Topic Summary
UAE Pet Food Market Is Rapidly Growing
The UAE pet food market was valued at USD 107.3 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 171.0 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 5.04%. This steady growth makes animal and bird feed trading a commercially attractive opportunity for new entrants.
Falconry Creates Unique Regional Demand
Falconry is a UNESCO-recognised cultural heritage tradition in the UAE, generating consistent specialist demand for fresh and frozen prey items and raptor nutritional supplements. This niche is largely unique to the Gulf region and represents a differentiated product category for traders.
Activity 4773.16 Covers a Broad Product Range
The trading license activity 4773.16 encompasses feed for companion birds, parrots, horses, camels, falcons, reptiles, livestock, and poultry. This wide scope allows a single license to cover diverse customer segments from pet owners to professional equestrian and farming operations.
Know the Difference Between 4773.16 and 4773.04
Activity 4773.16 applies specifically to trading animal and bird feed as commercial products, while 4773.04 covers full-service pet stores that retail live animals alongside pet supplies. Choosing the correct activity code from the outset keeps your licensing aligned with your actual business model.
No Third-Party Approval Required
Obtaining a business license under activity 4773.16 through Meydan Free Zone does not require third-party regulatory approval. This streamlines the setup process and reduces the time and administrative burden needed to get trading operations underway.
Diverse Customer Base Supports Business Stability
Animal and bird feed traders can serve private pet owners, professional breeders, equestrian establishments, camel racing operations, farms, and bird aviaries. This breadth of potential customers helps reduce reliance on any single market segment.
AML Compliance Is Not Required for This Activity
Animal and bird feed trading under this license category is not subject to Anti-Money Laundering compliance requirements. This simplifies ongoing regulatory obligations for business owners operating within this activity.
How to Start a Animal & Birds Feed Trading Business in Dubai with Meydan Free Zone
The UAE's pet ownership culture spans a wide range of species — birds, horses, falcons, reptiles, and exotic animals are all part of the country's distinctive pet landscape. Falconry is a UNESCO-recognised cultural heritage tradition, and demand for specialist falcon feed is a uniquely regional element of this market.
The UAE pet food market reached USD 107.3 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 171.0 million by 2033 at a CAGR of 5.04%.[1] Animal and bird feed trading serves a diverse customer base from private pet owners to professional breeders, equestrian establishments, farms, and sporting operations.
Who is this for?
| Audience Segment | Profile |
|---|---|
| PET & BIRD SUPPLY | Pet & Bird Feed Traders Traders supplying specialist bird seed, parrot food, finch mixes, and companion animal feed to pet stores, bird breeders, and individual owners across the UAE. |
| LIVESTOCK & FARM SUPPLY | Livestock & Equine Feed Distributors Commercial distributors supplying animal feed, hay, grain, and specialist feeds for horses, camels, livestock, and poultry to farms, stables, and agricultural operators. |
4773.16 - Animal & Birds Feed Trading
Activity 4773.16 covers the trading of animal and bird feed. This encompasses all commercial and specialist animal feed products for companion animals, birds, livestock, working animals, and exotic species — from pet bird seed and parrot food to equine feed, camel supplements, and poultry rations.
Activity 4773.16 covers the trading of animal and bird feed as commercial products. The broader retail sale of pet food alongside live animals in a general pet store format may be covered under 4773.04.
In short: if you are trading animal and bird feed as a commercial product, you are in. If you are operating a full-service pet store retailing live animals and pet supplies, see activity 4773.04.
| Category | Scope |
|---|---|
| Companion bird & parrot feedSeed mixes, pellets, and specialist diets for parrots, finches, canaries, and companion birds kept as pets or in aviaries. | Equine & camel feed Horse and camel feed, hay, supplements, and specialist nutrition products for the UAE's equestrian and camel racing industries. |
| Falcon & raptor feedSpecialist fresh and frozen prey items and nutritional supplements for falcons and raptors used in the UAE's active falconry tradition. | Exotic & reptile feed Live and frozen food items, insects, and specialist dietary products for reptiles, amphibians, and exotic animals. |
| Livestock & poultry feed | Grain, compound feed, and specialist nutrition products for cattle, sheep, goats, poultry, and other farm animals. |
Compliance
THIRD-PARTY APPROVAL
This activity requires pre-approval from the DM (Dubai Municipality) before a business license can be issued by Meydan Free Zone.
ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING COMPLIANCE
This business activity is exempt from AML compliance requirements.
References
- ¹ IMARC Group. (2026). UAE Pet Food Market — Expected to Reach USD 171.0 Million By 2033. imarcgroup.com
